Notes from a Small Island

I must try and be better about making my posts more often. Over the past three days I have worked around 40 hours, so between work and homework, I haven't had much time to read anything for pleasure. In fact, I am at work right now, however, for the past half an hour, I have found myself with some time to devote to reading my Bill Bryson book. This time was mostly found because I have decided that, for my own sanity, I cannot do any more school work today.

I am loving this book of his, Notes from a Small Island. It is my first Bryson book, and now I must read all of his others. I already have a desperate desire to live in the United Kingdom for at least some portion of my life, and reading this book is making me wish I could just sell everything and leave tomorrow. He talks about so many oddities of the British, but in a way that makes them totally endearing. His misadventures through the countryside as he walks his way from town to town, make me want to avoid the big cities on my next trip and devote myself entirely to the towns no one has ever heard of. I have found over the last few days, that anytime I have a spare minute or two, no matter how much stress I may feel, if I can simply read a few pages of this book, I am instantly in a better mood, and life seems a tad bit sweeter. I think he may be my new favorite travel writer, but, as I have not yet read very many different authors of that genre, I would appreciate any suggestions anyone might have on who else I should read.

My very first blog ever!

I am a book addict. I can admit it, I have a problem. I tried to count my books one day, and lost track somewhere around 500. I cannot walk by a book store without going in, especially if it’s a used book store. I have a library card, but I so seldomly remember to turn the books in on time, that I spend as much in late fees as if I had just gone out and bought the book. Besides, I love owning them, and re-reading them. I like reading a little bit of everything except western and romance. I haven’t quite gotten into those genres yet. Mostly I read YA fiction and Science Fiction, but I try not to limit myself too much to one genre.

I am 28 and recently moved from a giant city with millions of people to the tiny town my parents live in (1100 people) so that I can save money because I would like to go to grad school overseas. It’s the town my dad grew up in, so everyone here seems to already know my name even though I have never laid eyes on them before. It’s slightly creepy. I’m currently getting my Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies through Arizona State online, and I want my Master’s to be in English. Hopefully, one day I will be working in publishing. Ultimately, I would like to own my own bookstore someday, complete with a printing press of some sort so that I can also publish books.

That’s the dream anyway, and it seemed to me that the best first step towards realizing that dream was to start up a book blog and immerse myself in the community. So, I look forward to exploring your blogs (this is totally new to me), and hopefully you all enjoy mine as well!